The first sales period ends on Feb 8, after which tickets will be allocated. PHOTO: AFP

SINGAPORE - Even with the pandemic, the allure of the World Cup remains strong for fans here in Singapore.

World governing body Fifa on Wednesday (Jan 19) opened their applications for tickets to games at the Nov 21-Dec 18 World Cup in Qatar. Within hours of the first sales period opening at 6pm, football fans here were among those who registered their interest.